There's already so much posted that I'm not sure my thoughts will help, but...

1. I recently went on a cruise for a week and with data rates being about $1.20 per minute (that's the bulk rate) I was completely out of contact.

Everyone reading this should try it - I haven't been completely untethered in years.

In preparation: I had two meetings scheduled for my whole group so they all knew what my responsibilities are - and I had my manager make it a mandatory in-person on-site for the whole group.

My director came by to give me a "Good job!" because of this.

2. Either return on Saturday or take Monday off. Getting back from vacation unloading the car at night then getting up in the morning is a bad plan - you don't feel rested that way.

You should feel rested when you return from vacation. (And I have a smart energetic three year old, so that's difficult enough!)

3. Optimally you should take Monday off anyway.

If Monday is a holiday take Tuesday off.

It just seems to throw people off - they think you're getting back after the weekend so it can wait for you Monday - then they realize you aren't there and THEY have to handle it.

( And yes, they knew my schedule weeks in advance ) 🙂

FWIW,

-Chris C.